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When to plant Eggplant in Stoddard County, MO

In Zone 7a (Stoddard County), direct-sow Eggplant between April 14 and May 5 for spring, after the April 7 last-frost mark.

When to Plant Eggplant in Stoddard County, MO

Eggplant

Eggplant is a heat-loving solanaceous crop that produces glossy fruits in purple, white, or striped varieties. It requires long, warm growing seasons for best production.

Stoddard County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.

At an elevation of 1,112 feet, Stoddard County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Eggplant during the growing season.

Stoddard County, MO (Zone 7a) Long season
204 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
204 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Stoddard County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Eggplant to Grow

4-6 lbs
Average yield per plant
2
Plants per person
4 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 8 eggplant plants in about 16 sq ft. In Stoddard County's 204-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Eggplant Planting Timeline — Stoddard County, MO

Eggplant Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 – May 5
Direct Sow April 14 Apr 14 – May 5
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 – Sep 1

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

65–85 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

204 days in Stoddard County

Growing Tips for Stoddard County

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only after nighttime temperatures stay above 55F. Mulch to retain moisture and warmth around roots.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel
  • Kohlrabi

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Eggplant in Stoddard County, MO?

Stoddard County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Eggplant planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stoddard County, MO?

Stoddard County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 28.

When should I plant Eggplant in Stoddard County, MO?

In Stoddard County, MO, plant Eggplant after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Stoddard County, MO for Eggplant?

Stoddard County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Eggplant grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Eggplant grow in Stoddard County's climate?

Yes — Eggplant grows well in Stoddard County's temperate climate. Stoddard County averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 28.

🌱

Your Stoddard County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Stoddard County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Stoddard County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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